Description: THIS ITEM MEASURES 4 IN X 3 IN.In response to a request from the U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam (MACV), the 25th Infantry Division sent 100 helicopter door-gunners to theRepublic of Vietnam in early 1963. By mid 1965, 2,200 men of the Tropic Lightning Division were involved in Vietnam. The division was again ordered to contribute combat forces in December of that year. In response to a MACVrequest, the division deployed 4,000 3rd Brigade infantrymen and 9,000 tons of equipment from Hawaii in 25 days to the Northwest sector of South Vietnam to firmly establish a fortified enclave from which the division could operate.Operation Blue Light was the largest and longest airlift of personnel and cargo into a combat zone in military history. The Brigade deployed its first soldiers from Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu, to the central highlands at Pleiku. These men arrived in Vietnam 24 December 1965. By mid-January, the deployment operation was complete — giving combat planners in Vietnam a favorable balance of power. The division was heavily engaged from April 1966 until 1972 throughout the area of operations in Southeast Asia. During this period, Tropic Lightning soldiers fought in some of the toughest battles of the war. During theTet offensives of 1968 and 1969, Tropic Lightning soldiers were instrumental in defending the besieged city of Saigon. Due to its success in fending off that attack, the 25th Infantry Division spent most of 1970 more involved in theVietnamization Program than in actual combat. From May through June 1970, Tropic Lightning soldiers participated in Allied thrusts deep into enemy sanctuaries located in Cambodia. In these Incursion operations, the division units confiscated thousands of tons of supplies and hundreds of weapons. This operation crippled the Cambodian-based efforts against American units. Following its return from Cambodia to South Vietnam, the division resumed its place in the Vietnamization Program. The war was winding down. By late December 1970, elements of the 25th Infantry Division were able to begin redeployment to Schofield Barracks. Second Brigade was the last element of the Tropic Lightning Division to depart Vietnam. It arrived at Schofield Barracks in the early days of May 1971. During the war in Vietnam, 22 Medals of Honorwere awarded to Tropic Lightning soldiers. The Division is also known to have written the United States Playing Card Company to request hundreds of decks containing only the Ace of Spades. In Vietnam, the Ace of Spades were used as psychological warfare. The Viet Cong were highly superstitious and highly frightened by this Ace because it predicted death and suffering.For orders of multiple items, please ask (or wait) for a revised invoice with reduced shipping charge BEFORE paying.YOUR ITEM WILL BE SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR PAYMENT.FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS ONLY: WE WILL SHIP BY 1st CLASS MAIL. WE DO APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS. .PLEASE GIVE US AT LEAST 24 HOURS TO RESPOND BEFORE LEAVING NEGATIVE FEEDBACK OR OPENING AN EBAY DISPUTE. THANKS
Price: 10.48 USD
Location: Arlington, Texas
End Time: 2025-01-10T03:57:56.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1.3 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: 10%
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Patches
Conflict: Vietnam (1961-75)
Theme: Militaria
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
Modified Item: No
